Rangers vs Celtic result: Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes secure Old Firm derby bragging rights at Ibrox
Follow the latest updates live from the first Old Firm derby of the season as Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox.
The two fierce rivals meet locked on nine points each at the top of the Scottish Premiership, winning all three of their matches so far this season to put them clear of the rest of the league. Having won their last two meetings, Rangers are looking to strengthen their title credentials with a third consecutive derby win, but Celtic are looking to claim a ninth consecutive Premiership this season.
Steven Gerrard has sprung something of a surprise by preferring Jermain Defoe up front ahead of Alfredo Morelos, while Celtic hand Fraser Forster his second start in goal. Since his move from Southampton. Follow the live updates below.
Hello and welcome to the Independent's live coverage of Rangers vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. This promises to be a typically raucous Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
Both teams have started the season superbly, winning their opening three games and playing some eye-catching football in the process. And both will know the significance of victory this afternoon.
For Rangers, the hope will be a third consecutive Old Firm victory at Ibrox. Celtic, meanwhile, will be hoping to take an early step towards a ninth successive title.
Celtic make a couple of changes from the side that won at AIK in the Europa League in midweek. Fraser Forster replaces Craig Gordon and defender Kristoffer Ajer, injured in Sweden, makes way for Hatem Abed Elhamed.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, has opted to drop striker Alfredo Morelos, who scored against Legia Warsaw on Thursday night. Jermain Defoe gets the nod instead, while Glen Kamara replaces Sheyi Ojo in the starting XI.
We have experienced beating Celtic on a couple of occasions and going close to beating them, even at Celtic Park in the second away fixture last season.
They are in a good place themselves, they are playing with confidence and scoring heavily. It is set up for a fantastic match.
Just because we have more belief and confidence about ourselves doesn’t mean our respect for Celtic changes. We still know they are the team to beat, the team to catch.
But if we find a performance close to our maximum, any team that comes to Ibrox is going to find it tough to beat us."
We are in goal-scoring form, we are winning games convincingly, so it's not bad being underdogs with the way we are playing at the minute - I'll take that.
We are in powerful form, particularly going forward. The defence is looking like players are getting more familiar with their surroundings."
The players walk out at Ibrox, greeted by a roar from the capacity crowd. The home fans break into a rendition of Simply the Best. We're almost ready to get underway...
That bizarre kick off from Edouard actually seemed to work quite well. Celtic gain territory and are quickly on the front foot, probing on the edge of Rangers' box. The hosts have to be alert early on to clear the danger.
Christie has the game's first effort on goal, finding space around 30 yards out and unleashing a powerful shot. It's struck well, but always flying over the bar.
Predictably, it's all a little scrappy in the opening stages. There's plenty of intensity, lots of effort, but not a great deal of quality in the first few minutes.
Johnston finds space on the left for Celtic, beating his man and pulling the ball back from the byline. It's blocked behind for a corner, which Rangers clear.
Rangers threaten for the first time, surging forward in numbers. McGregor makes the first of probably many late, hard tackles, cleaning out Arfield. Somehow, he avoids a booking. The hosts try to work the ball into the box but the final ball proves elusive.
A half chance for Rangers from a corner as Katic wins a header a few yards out from goal. He doesn't connect well, though, and the ball sails over the bar.
There's a nasty clash of heads between Elhamed and Flanagan as both players go for the ball. The Celtic man comes off worse, and he's down receiving some treatment from the physio.
Scott Brown is not popular at Ibrox, and a poor challenge from behind on Kamara does nothing to enhance his reputation. He avoids a yellow card, to the fury of the home supporters.
Rangers' fans appear to be growing a little frustrated. Celtic are controlling things, knocking the ball around comfortably and looking far more of a threat in the final third.
